Tag Archives: Belly and Trumpet

Each week we ask the question, “What’s Eating Your Phone”? This is where we all can join in on the foodie fun and send in your latest dining photo that has you all jazzed. These are not necessarily limited to dining out, it can be from that last dinner party. And don’t think we discriminate against libations. Send in your favorite cocktail photo, too.

To be included in a future edition of What’s Eating Your Phone, send those photos to me at steven@cravedfw.com. A brief description and location would be super helpful. Here are this week’s selections: Continue reading →

Almost a year ago Richard Gras was named the replacement chef after Oak’s glory chef Jason Maddy left his post. Maddy hightailed it to the Cayman Islands where he seems to be enjoying life. Yesterday Richard Gras tendered his resignation, and the job was filled by sister restaurant executive chef Brian Zenner. Continue reading →

Chef Brian Zenner is an interesting soul of a chef, and it plays out well on his plates. Born in Thailand, but also lived in Dubai and London, gives this chef a well rounded perspective on how we should be dining. The chef sharpened his skills working in Portland and in Austin before making his way to Dallas where he had a stint at the Mansion on Turtle Creek just before being recruited as Chef de Cuisine at Oak under Jason Maddy. Zenner finally landed his own exec position at Belly and Trumpet. It is at Belly that the man displays his talent, and we are all better for this.

This past weekend Zenner entertained a packed house to a Sea to Table dinner, which consisted of eleven courses, not counting a pastry course by Oak chef Lucia Merino. The night sizzled with excitement as each course was hand delivered; you could hear a strong buzz among the crowd which was suddenly silenced and replaced with the soft clink of forks hitting plates. Continue reading →

To call Belly and Trumpet’s chef Zenner precisianistic might be an understatement, but his over-the-top eye for detail doesn’t end in the pass through at the tiny Uptown restaurant, it carries strong with the entire staff. There is a sense of understanding each dish, from the plating to exact ingredients with the entire staff. This pragmatic joie de vivre gives pleasure as the guests peruse the menu free of angst, or order envy. There simply are no wrong choices on the menu. You are free to roam the small sampling of dishes without fear, knowing each item is the correct choice. This is the same strong detail that runs rampant with all three of the restaurants owned by Tiffanee and Richard Ellman. Near perfection is never an accident. Continue reading →

Haven’t been into Belly and Trumpet yet? Monday’s are now a great time to discover this innovation and coz spot in Uptown Dallas. Tonight they are debuting a new “Monday Front Porch Feast.” It’s meant to be a fun gathering on the front porch, where a new more casual style menu.

Look for items such as Belly Burger ($11) and fries that includes an 8oz patty, bacon, tellagio, pancetta, lettuce, tomato, onion, and aioli on a ciabatta roll. The new Monday menu also includes steam buns, chicken wings and even a whole fried Branzino ($25). Continue reading →

If brunch had a season it would certainly look to May as its host. The cool breezes have yet to submit to the warmer mask of Summer, and patios beckon while you satiate on plated eggs and rashers that may be washed down with tall, cool glasses of cold champagne. This is something your mother would approve of this very weekend, and do we have a selection of dishes that might make her proud.

Belly and Trumpet is a quagmire in a string of restaurant incidents that line McKinney Avenue. Surely restaurateurs have discovered that the formula for Uptown lies in sprawling patios, a quick fix for dining that is simple on the wallet, and plenty of liquor to appease the see and be seen crowd that swarm the decks. Belly and Trumpet defies these laws with a vengeance. Continue reading →

This morning I had a delightful surprise sitting in my inbox. The folks over at Belly and Trumpet have been working over-time and created a brunch for a city who cannot get enough of the weekend repast. If you have read crave for any length of time, you will understand how much we adore our brunches in Dallas.

This time chef Brian Zenner and chef de cuisine Rudy Mendoza have outdone themselves, at least from first appearances. If you are like me you will dash on over to Uptown restaurant and grab a taste of this new brunch for yourself. Continue reading →